15 Best Things to Do in Cape Cod With Kids

Cape Cod offers endless family fun with pristine beaches like Coast Guard Beach and Nauset Light Beach for dramatic ocean views, plus calm Cape Cod Bay waters perfect for kids. You’ll love whale watching cruises from Provincetown, seal tours from Chatham, and salt marsh kayaking in Eastham. Explore Heritage Museums & Gardens with interactive exhibits, bike the 25-mile Cape Cod Rail Trail, and treat yourselves to famous saltwater taffy. Discover why these coastal adventures make Cape Cod unforgettable for families.

Explore Cape Cod National Seashore’s Protected Beaches and Trails

When you’re seeking the perfect blend of natural beauty and family adventure, Cape Cod National Seashore delivers with its 43,500 protected acres of pristine beaches, woodlands, and marshes.

Your kids will love exploring eleven year-round walking trails that showcase diverse ecosystems, from the accessible Buttonbush Trail’s wetland observation deck to the boardwalk adventure through Red Maple Swamp Trail‘s forested wonderland.

Head to Eastham for the family-friendly Doane Loop Trail, which circles a historic homestead with stunning ocean overlooks.

In Wellfleet, tackle the Great Island Trail’s shifting dunes, or discover the rare Atlantic White Cedar Swamp ecosystem. For additional guidance, contact the park at 508-255-3421 to help plan your family’s perfect adventure.

Provincetown’s Clapps Pond offers excellent birdwatching around a freshwater pond, while designated bicycle trails provide safe cycling adventures throughout this protected paradise established in 1961.

Visit Coast Guard Beach and Nauset Light Beach for Scenic Ocean Views

Two of Cape Cod’s most spectacular beaches await your family at Coast Guard Beach and Nauset Light Beach, where dramatic Atlantic vistas and iconic lighthouse views create unforgettable coastal experiences.

Coast Guard Beach offers sweeping ocean panoramas from high bluffs and connects to Nauset Marsh Trail for diverse scenery shifts. You’ll catch spectacular sunrise views over the Atlantic from this east-facing shoreline.

Nauset Light Beach features the famous red-and-white lighthouse that’s perfect for photos with ocean backdrops. Kids will love the hard-packed paths and steep stairs that provide overlook-style coastline views. The lighthouse itself is a cast-iron structure that was relocated from Chatham in 1923 and has become an iconic maritime symbol.

Both beaches offer excellent wildlife watching, including regular seal activity and seasonal shorebird sightings. The combination of surf, dunes, and historic lighthouses creates quintessential Cape Cod scenes your family will treasure.

Enjoy Calm Waters at Cape Cod Bay and Nantucket Sound Beaches

While the Atlantic beaches offer dramatic scenery, Cape Cod’s bayside and Nantucket Sound beaches provide the perfect environment for families with young children who need calmer, warmer water conditions. These protected waters feature gentle surf, gradual entry points, and extensive sandbars that create safe swimming areas.

Head to Craigville Beach in Barnstable for wide sandy shores and family amenities, or try Kalmus Beach in Hyannis where protected sections offer almost always calm conditions.

On Cape Cod Bay, Paine’s Creek Beach in Brewster delivers expansive tidal flats perfect for exploration and sandcastle building. These calm waters also provide excellent opportunities for kayaking and paddleboarding where families might spot harbor seals and osprey during their water adventures.

You’ll find these calm waters ideal for float toys, beginner kayaking, and tidal pool discoveries. The predictable, gentle conditions let toddlers and nervous swimmers build confidence while older kids enjoy manageable waves.

Take a Whale Watching Cruise From Provincetown or Barnstable

Cape Cod’s waters offer incredible opportunities to witness some of the ocean’s most magnificent creatures up close. You’ll find excellent whale watching departures from both Provincetown and Barnstable, with tours heading to Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary where you’re likely to spot humpbacks, finbacks, minke whales, and the endangered North Atlantic right whales.

From Provincetown’s Macmillan Pier, Captain John Boats offers family-friendly tours at $78 for adults and $48 for kids. Hyannis Whale Watcher provides convenient online booking from Barnstable Harbor. Both operators feature marine biologists, clean facilities, and snack bars onboard.

The season runs mid-April through October, with peak sightings June through September. Cape Cod Bay is particularly exciting for whale watching, as widespread plankton patches attract significant numbers of North Atlantic right whales to feed in these waters. You’ll enjoy eco-friendly vessels and educational experiences that’ll create lasting memories for your entire family.

Go Seal Watching in the Monomoy Area From Chatham

Thousands of playful gray and harbor seals call the Monomoy barrier islands home, making this one of Cape Cod’s most spectacular wildlife viewing experiences. You’ll cruise through shallow channels and hidden lagoons on family-friendly 1.5-hour tours departing from Chatham or Harwich Port.

Trained naturalists guide you aboard shallow-draft vessels that get remarkably close to hundreds of seals lounging on sandbars or swimming playfully along shores. The seal watching adventures are recognized as a favorite family activity and highly recommended by travelers.

Multiple operators like Monomoy Island Excursions and Chatham Sport Fishing run several daily departures, with ideal viewing from May onward. You’ll also spot diverse seabirds, occasional whales, and enjoy views of historic lighthouses.

Tours cost around $30-40 per person and work perfectly for kids, though you’ll need to reserve 24 hours ahead for the best experience.

Bike the Cape Cod Rail Trail Through Multiple Towns

After spotting seals from the water, you’ll want to explore Cape Cod’s landscape from a different perspective on the famous Cape Cod Rail Trail. This 25.5-mile paved path stretches from South Yarmouth to Wellfleet, passing through seven charming towns along the former Cape Cod Central Railroad route.

The flat, family-friendly trail offers perfect cycling for kids, with scenic views of forests, cranberry bogs, and kettle ponds. You’ll cross the Bass River bridge, explore Nickerson State Park‘s trails, and enjoy salt marsh views in Eastham. The trail also connects to the Old Colony Rail Trail at the bike rotary in Harwich, offering additional cycling options for families.

Multiple parking areas provide easy access points, including Orleans Center and the Salt Pond Visitors Center.

The trail connects to nearby beaches and the National Seashore, making it ideal for combining biking adventures with beach breaks throughout your Cape Cod exploration.

Ride the Shining Sea Bikeway Along Vineyard Sound

Experience Massachusetts’ oldest rail trail on the stunning Shining Sea Bikeway, a 10.7-mile paved path that’s the only Cape Cod bike trail running directly along the shore. You’ll enjoy sweeping views of Vineyard Sound while riding this mostly level trail built on a former railroad right-of-way.

Your family will love the gentle ride perfect for beginners, passing through Sippewissett Marsh, cranberry bogs, and Salt Pond Bird Sanctuary. The trail follows the coastline past Surf Drive Beach, where you can stop for swimming breaks. Nearly one-quarter runs through conserved areas including salt marshes and cedar swamps. A convenient bike repair station at Bud’s Stop pavilion provides tools and an air pump for any maintenance needs along the way.

Start from County Road in North Falmouth or join at downtown Falmouth. You’ll find bike rentals near the beaches, and the route ends at Woods Hole’s ferry terminal with ice cream opportunities.

Walk the Historic Sandwich Boardwalk Through Salt Marshes

Since 1875, the Historic Sandwich Boardwalk has connected families to one of Cape Cod’s most peaceful beaches, stretching 1,350 feet across pristine salt marshes to Town Neck Beach on Cape Cod Bay. You’ll start from the parking lot on Boardwalk Road and walk through stunning marshlands with scenic views from Cape Cod Canal to Scorton Creek.

National Geographic named this one of America’s top 10 boardwalks, and you’ll understand why as you cross Mill Creek toward the secluded beach. The boardwalk’s hundreds of personalized planks tell stories of families who’ve helped rebuild it after storms like Hurricane Bob. This historic walkway once featured fish shacks that lined portions of the original boardwalk until around 1950, representing the area’s rich fishing heritage.

Your kids will love spotting wildlife in the marshes while you enjoy crowd-free beaches without shops or rides—just pure Cape Cod nature.

Discover Marine Life at Cape Cod Museum of Natural History

While most Cape Cod attractions focus on beaches and boardwalks, the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History in Brewster immerses your family in the region’s incredible marine ecosystems through hands-on exhibits and live animal encounters.

You’ll explore freshwater and saltwater habitats featuring native species from Cape Cod Bay, tidepools, and local marshes. Your kids can interact with sea creatures in touch tanks and observe over a thousand horseshoe crabs in the Head Start Program.

Don’t miss the inflatable whale exhibits—your children can actually walk inside the humpback whale to learn about marine behavior.

The interactive Science Rocks! area offers dozens of hands-on activities, while the Mud Kitchen lets kids dig for earthworms and build structures, making marine science tangible and exciting. For a unique nature experience, join the Feed the Butterflies activity where children can get up close with butterflies using a sponge to offer them food.

Experience Heritage Museums & Gardens in Sandwich

Just minutes from the Cape Cod Canal, Heritage Museums & Gardens in Sandwich transforms 100 acres into an interactive wonderland where your family can explore everything from sensory gardens and living mazes to antique carousels and classic car collections.

You’ll spend 2-3 hours discovering over 1,000 plant varieties while kids engage with hands-on experiences. The McGraw Family Garden of the Senses features 25,000 plants encouraging touch and smell exploration.

The Hart Family Maze provides problem-solving fun. Don’t miss Hidden Hollow, a 2-acre Nature Explore center with water play zones, discovery trails, and a tree house.

Indoor attractions include a free 1908 antique carousel and rotating exhibits perfect for rainy days. The popular automobile gallery showcases an impressive collection of American vehicles that will captivate car enthusiasts of all ages. The complex’s paved paths accommodate strollers, making navigation effortless for families.

Learn About Pirates at the Whydah Pirate Museum

Step aboard the only authenticated pirate shipwreck ever discovered at the Whydah Pirate Museum, where your family can explore genuine treasure and artifacts from “Black Sam” Bellamy’s legendary vessel that sank off Cape Cod in 1717.

You’ll discover over 100,000 recovered artifacts, including the ship’s bell, cannons, weapons, and a treasure chest filled with silver pieces.

Kids love the interactive exhibits featuring a walk-through replica of the ship, wax figures, and hands-on stations explaining navigation and weaponry. The museum is open Friday through Sunday from 10 AM to 4 PM, with the last entry at 3:30 PM.

The SeaLab conservation area demonstrates how artifacts are preserved, while first-person accounts from survivors bring pirate history to life.

Plan 1-2 hours for this educational adventure that separates pirate fact from fiction.

Play at Heritage Park and Community Recreation Areas

Spanning 100 acres of stunning gardens and nature trails in Sandwich, Heritage Museums & Gardens offers families an incredible blend of outdoor adventure and educational discovery that’ll keep kids entertained for hours.

Your children will love exploring the Hidden Hollow play area, featuring a giant treehouse and interactive play structures nestled in a natural setting that encourages climbing and physical activity.

The vintage carousel provides classic fun, while educational exhibits showcasing vintage automobiles and Native American artifacts add learning opportunities.

Adventure Park features five treetop aerial courses with 60-80 platforms, bridges, and zip lines designed for ages 7 and up. Before beginning their adventure, all participants receive safety briefings and practice sessions to ensure they’re properly prepared for the challenges ahead.

Admission costs $25 for adults and $10 for children 3-17, with under-2s entering free.

Stroll Through Chatham’s Downtown During Seasonal Events

Throughout the year, Chatham’s charming downtown transforms into a festive destination where families can enjoy seasonal celebrations that capture the essence of Cape Cod’s community spirit. You’ll find something special each season along Main Street’s walkable corridor.

October brings Oktoberfest to Kate Gould Park with live music, food trucks, and family activities including Pumpkin People displays. Earlier that month, you can watch the unique Witches-on-the-Water paddling parade from Oyster Pond Beach, where costumed participants create an unforgettable spectacle.

Summer offers chamber music concerts at First Congregational Church and various festivals featuring local arts.

Winter’s Christmas-by-the-Sea brings magical holiday decorations and special events like Breakfast with Santa, making downtown Chatham a year-round destination for family memories. The annual Christmas Stroll weekend adds an extra layer of festive charm with special holiday activities throughout the downtown area.

Go Salt Marsh Kayaking in Eastham or Orleans

Cape Cod’s salt marshes offer some of the most peaceful and wildlife-rich kayaking experiences you’ll find anywhere, with Eastham’s Nauset Marsh and Orleans’ Namskaket Marsh leading the way as family-friendly paddling destinations. These sheltered waters stay calm even when coastal winds pick up, making them perfect for building kids’ confidence on the water.

Great Marsh Kayak Tours operates three-hour guided adventures from both locations, limiting groups to eight participants for personalized attention. You’ll paddle through tidal channels where kids can spot seals, herons, egrets, and ospreys while learning about marsh ecology. Tours are priced at $75 for adults and $60 for children 12 and under, making it an affordable family adventure.

The tours include all gear and feature beach breaks for shell collecting and wave play. High-tide trips open more “canals” to explore, while low tide exposes fascinating mudflats and marine life.

Browse Traditional Candy Shops and Main Street Stores

After working up an appetite on the water, you’ll want to explore Cape Cod’s charming Main Street districts where generations-old candy shops beckon with handmade confections and nostalgic treats.

Cabot’s Candy in Provincetown has been crafting saltwater taffy since 1927, offering award-winning fudge and bins of penny candies.

Chatham Candy Manor uses copper kettles for hand-dipped chocolates and fresh caramels, while Kandy Korner in Hyannis serves warm, chewy taffy after 57 seasons.

Stage Stop Candy in Dennis Port specializes in homegrown recipes including Butterkrunge toffee, and the 1856 Country Store in Centerville combines classic sweets with nostalgic gifts. For a truly unique Cape Cod experience, try the Cape Cod Lobster Gummies at Kandy Korner, a local specialty that captures the essence of the region.

These family-friendly destinations create sweet memories spanning generations.

The Sum Up

You’ll create unforgettable memories exploring Cape Cod’s stunning beaches, watching whales breach offshore, and discovering charming coastal towns with your kids. From building sandcastles at protected seashores to kayaking through peaceful salt marshes, there’s something magical waiting around every corner. Don’t forget to treat yourselves to old-fashioned candy and browse the unique shops that make Cape Cod special. Start planning your family adventure today—these experiences will become treasured stories you’ll share for years.